How to Stop a Flying Pinky on the Guitar

Ah, the flying pinky—one of those quirks that can make even seasoned guitarists cringe. Whether you’re shredding through a metal solo or nailing a thrash riff, an unruly pinky can throw off your groove and mess with your speed and accuracy. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s tackle that hovering digit and get it back in line with some practical tips and tricks.

Understanding the Flying Pinky Phenomenon

First things first, what’s the deal with the flying pinky? You might notice that when you play, your pinky has a mind of its own, wandering away from the fretboard. This little guy tends to float around, especially when it’s not actively fretting a note. While it might seem harmless, this habit can slow you down and make transitions between notes less efficient.

The flying pinky often stems from tension or improper hand positioning. If you’re gripping the neck too tightly or your other fingers aren’t positioned correctly, your pinky compensates by lifting away. Interestingly enough, this is a common issue for both beginners and experienced players. Even the most skilled metal guitarists have to keep an eye on their technique to prevent this.

Now, let’s dig into why this happens and how we can fix it. We’ll break down some exercises, tips, and adjustments you can make to anchor that pinky and improve your playing overall.

Proper Hand Positioning

A solid hand position is the foundation of controlled pinky movement. So, let’s start with how you hold the neck. Your thumb should rest comfortably at the back of the neck, acting like a pivot point. This allows your fingers to arch naturally over the fretboard.

If you find your pinky lifting, check these common problems:

• Thumb Position: Is your thumb wrapping around the neck? Try moving it to the middle of the back for better leverage.
• Finger Curvature: Are your fingers too flat? Curving them slightly can help bring the pinky closer to the strings.
• Wrist Alignment: Make sure your wrist isn’t bent awkwardly. A straight wrist keeps your hand relaxed.

When I first started playing, I had a habit of wrapping my thumb around the neck. It felt comfortable, but my pinky was all over the place. Once I adjusted my thumb position, my pinky naturally stayed closer to the strings.

Exercises to Tame the Pinky

Exercises are your best friend when it comes to training your pinky. Here are a few that focus on finger independence and control:

The Spider Exercise

This classic exercise is great for developing finger strength and independence. Here’s how it goes:

1. Place your fingers one per fret on a string, starting with your index finger.
2. Play each note up and down the string, moving your pinky last.
3. Focus on keeping fingers close to the fretboard, especially the pinky.

Chromatic Scales

Playing chromatic scales forces all your fingers to move in sequence, which helps with coordination:

1. Start on the low E string, using one finger per fret.
2. Play up the neck, shifting positions as needed.
3. Keep the pinky close to the strings as you move.

These exercises helped me immensely. At first, my pinky would wander, but with consistent practice, it learned to behave.

Reducing Tension

Tension is often the root of many technique issues, including the flying pinky. Here are some ways to reduce it:

• Relaxation: Make it a habit to consciously relax your hand and fingers while playing.
• Breathing: Keep your breathing steady. Holding your breath can increase tension.
• Micro-breaks: Take short breaks between practice sessions to shake out your hands.

When I was learning, I realized I was holding my breath during complex passages, which made my whole hand tense. By focusing on my breathing, I was able to relax my hand and gain better control.

Mindful Practice Techniques

Mindfulness can transform your playing. Here’s how to incorporate it:

• Slow Practice: Slow down your playing to focus on finger placement and movement.
• Visualization: Picture your fingers staying close to the fretboard as you play.
• Recording: Record yourself playing to identify when your pinky starts to wander.

By slowing things down, you can catch when your pinky starts to drift and correct it in real-time. It’s like having a built-in coach.

Use of Metronomes and Tools

Using a metronome can help you focus on timing and control. It forces you to keep a steady pace, which can highlight technique issues like a flying pinky.

At Riffhard, we have a custom metronome designed for guitar practice. It’s perfect for honing your technique at various speeds, ensuring your pinky stays disciplined even as you ramp up the tempo.

The Role of Stretching

Stretching isn’t just for athletes—guitarists need it too. Keeping your hands and fingers flexible can prevent tension and improve pinky control. Here are some stretches:

• Finger Stretches: Gently pull each finger back, holding for a few seconds.
• Wrist Circles: Rotate your wrists to relieve tension.
• Hand Shakes: Shake out your hands to loosen them up.

Stretching has become part of my routine, especially before long practice sessions. It keeps my hands agile and ready to tackle any riff.

Adjustments Based on Guitar Type

Your guitar’s setup can also affect your pinky behavior. Here’s what to consider:

• Neck Shape: A thicker neck might require more adjustment for your hand position.
• String Action: Lower action might help keep your fingers closer to the fretboard.
• Fret Size: Larger frets can make it easier to press down without excessive finger movement.

I remember switching guitars and noticing a difference in my pinky control. It took some getting used to, but adjusting my technique helped me adapt.

Learning from the Pros

Watching and learning from professional guitarists can offer insights into managing a flying pinky. At Riffhard, our instructors, like Dean Lamb and Zakk Wylde, share their tips and tricks for mastering technique. Observing their hand positions and movements can provide real-world examples of effective pinky control.

When I started watching the pros, I picked up subtle nuances that I never would have thought of on my own. It’s like having a personal mentor guiding you through the process.

Final Thoughts

Gaining control over a flying pinky is a journey, but with the right approach and resources, you can make significant progress. By focusing on hand positioning, exercises, and reducing tension, you’re well on your way to taming that pinky for smoother, more precise playing. At Riffhard, we’ve gathered lessons from some of the best metal guitarists to help you refine your technique and reach your playing goals. Keep practicing, stay patient, and rock on!